Alligator captured in Piscataway and relocated to Cape May Zoo after two-week search in New Jersey
PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- The search for a 4-foot-long alligator in New Jersey came to an end this week in Piscataway.
Police body camera footage shows the struggle to capture the scaly fugitive after a neighbor spotted it on Second Avenue just after 7 p.m. Thursday.
Instead of waiting for backup, the officers improvised.
"One of the officers placed the bottom of his boot on top of the head of the alligator to keep its mouth from clamping down, while they used the snare to go over its neck. Then they kind of walked it down the block, put it in a police car, and brought it here," said Piscataway Deputy Police Chief Michelle Pilch.
The alligator was first spotted swimming in Lake Creighton and Ambrose Brook in Victor Crowell Park in the neighboring borough of Middlesex in August.
Local police and state fish and wildlife officers tried to capture the alligator, but it eluded them for more than two weeks
"This is the first time in this town, and the biggest thing we needed to do was public safety, whatever it took. That's why we closed the park almost immediately," said Middlesex Borough Mayor John Madden.
The alligator traveled roughly 2 miles before getting caught after it was spotted by Stephen Roy in Piscataway.
"We were following the stories and everything. You know, my family still lives in Middlesex, so it's so funny that it ended up here right in front of our house," said Roy.
The alligator was safely relocated to the Cape May County Zoo and Victor Crowell Park was reopened.
Eventually, the gator will be sent to a sanctuary in Florida.
